A nine-part referendum was held in

Switzerland ). Swiss law does not designate a ''capital'' as such, but the federal parliament and government are installed in Bern, while other federal institutions, such as the federal courts, are in other cities (Bellinzona, Lausanne, Luzern, Neuchâtel ...

on 14 January 1866. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) ''Elections in Europe: A data handbook'', pp1901-1902 Only two proposals received a majority of votes in favour, and only one had both a majority of votes and majority of cantons.

Background

In order to pass, the referendums needed a double majority; a majority of the popular vote and majority of the cantons.Nohlen & Stöver, p1891 The decision of each canton was based on the vote in that canton. Full cantons counted as one vote, whilst half cantons counted as half.

Results

Question I – weights and measures

Question II – equality of rights to settlement for Jews and naturalised people

Question III – local suffrage for settled people

Question IV – taxation and civil rights of settled people

Question V – cantonal suffrage for settled people

Question VI – religious and cultural freedom

Question VII – criminal law

Question VIII – copyright law

Question IX – prohibition of gambling and lotteries

References

{{Portal bar, Politics, Switzerland 1866 referendums 1866 in Switzerland Referendums in Switzerland January 1866 events